8 Days Rwanda Primates & Cultural Safari

This 8 Days Rwanda Primates and Cultural Safari takes you deep into the heart of the Land of a Thousand Hills, a country renowned for its rolling green landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and exceptional primate encounters.

The journey begins in Kigali, where you will explore Rwanda’s political and historical past through key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Belgian Peacekeepers Camp. Rwanda’s history spans over 400 years, from the ancient kingdom era through colonial and post-colonial periods, to the tragic 1994 Genocide and the country’s remarkable recovery.

This safari combines cultural immersion with wildlife experiences, including chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and gorilla or golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. You will also enjoy community visits, tea and coffee experiences, scenic lake activities, and a canoe ride on the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our company representative. After a short meet-and-greet, you will be transferred to your booked hotel for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Hotel De Mille Collins
Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, embark on a guided historical tour of Kigali City. Visit key sites representing Rwanda’s colonial, post-independence, genocide, and post-genocide history.

Highlights include the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, where over 250,000 victims are laid to rest, and the Belgian Peacekeepers Camp, where ten Belgian UN soldiers were killed at the start of the genocide. Explore both old and modern Kigali before returning to your hotel in the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel De Mille Collins
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, travel to Muhanga to join local communities and participate in traditional daily activities. Engage with local artisans and learn skills such as basket weaving, candle dipping, and beehive making, enjoying meaningful cultural interaction and shared meals.

Continue to Nyanza to visit the Royal King’s Palace, gaining insight into Rwanda’s traditional monarchy, leadership, customs, and cultural heritage. Afterward, proceed to Nyungwe Forest National Park for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early Rwandan-style breakfast, transfer to Nyungwe Forest for a briefing before your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Trek through the rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees and enjoy up to one hour observing them in their natural habitat.

After lunch, visit the Gisakura Tea Plantation, where you will interact with tea farmers and learn about tea cultivation, harvesting, and processing—from leaf to cup. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, return to Nyungwe Forest for the unforgettable Canopy Walk. Suspended above the forest floor, this walk offers breathtaking views of the rainforest, wildlife, and surrounding hills.

Later, drive to Kibuye along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, enjoying views of Rwanda’s famous rolling hills. After lunch at your lodge, head out for an afternoon boat ride on Lake Kivu, visiting nearby islands and concluding with a unique night fishing experience.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Rubavu, with an en-route visit to Kinunu Coffee Plantation. Experience Rwanda’s coffee journey from seed to cup, including harvesting, processing, and tasting.

After lunch, continue to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Gorilla Solutions Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park for either Gorilla Trekking or Golden Monkey Trekking. After a briefing, trek through the forest to encounter these remarkable primates in their natural environment.

In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful canoe ride on the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, surrounded by stunning volcanic scenery. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Gorilla Solutions Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer back to Kigali International Airport for your departure. If your flight is later in the day, enjoy a guided walk with the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, offering a deeper look into everyday Rwandan life and community initiatives.

This marks the end of your 8 Days Rwanda Primates and Cultural Safari.

Meals: Breakfast